The film does not have any particular story, the main character is a journalist Marcell writing a gossip column in one of the magazines. Seeking for the topics he takes the trips during the day and night throughout Rome. He sees a lot of different situations and meets colorful people. One of them is a playful film star Sylvia, then we have a quarrel of the journalist with his mistress. Marcell on the one hand participates in the aristocratic adoption (degeneration), on the other hand we have a religious fanaticism as a result of the alleged apparitions in nearby village. Another character is an intellectual, who only on the surface seems to be happy and peaceful.
This is one of the most important films of Fellini showing a specific moment of Italian history and 20th century society. As usual with this director, film distorts reality, presents it in a subjective manner and style. We have a paparazzi, elegant world, volatile and carefree frivolity. This film some consider epochal, in fact it is one of the best documentaries of the time. It’s a great movie, but for modern audience may be incomprehensible and difficult to understand. The film is in black and white, but it’s hard to forget some of the scenes: a dip in the fountain of Trevi, the statue of Christ hanging down from the helicopter, admission to the castle and much more.
The film was from the beginning considered as important piece of art, although aroused much controversy, and even public protests. This is the first big movie Mastroianni, who fits the role of a lost, undecided, with a weak nature that he often played in later films.